by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2013-14 college basketball season, attention focused on how new playing rules would be officiated and how one of the most anticipated freshman classes would pan out. Although concern over the rule changes has subsided somewhat and those freshmen - Duke's Jabari Parker, Kansas' Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid, Kentucky's Julius Randle, Syracuse's Tyler Ennis and Arizona's Aaron Gordon - have put together fabulous seasons, both story lines have been overshadowed by upperclassmen-oriented teams.

No. 1 Florida is riding a 20-game winning streak, No. 2 Wichita State is 30-0 and No. 10 Creighton is led by player of the year front-runner Doug McDermott, a senior who leads the country in scoring with 26 points a game - including nine games with 30 points or more.

"I think the freshman talent has provided a spotlight to the game that's really interesting," ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said. "I thought the talent level was going to make the teams better, though. What we've seen is a lot of good teams, but no team that's really great and separated themselves. What we've really seen is a lot of parity. Every team seems to have a vulnerability, which makes it a fun year to watch."

Like most seasons, there's one projection that will hold true in the sport from November to April: Expect the unexpected. On Saturday, the calendar turns to March, when teams and their fans brace themselves for a month-long holiday of brackets, bubbles, buzzer-beaters and Cinderellas.

"The tournament is a fascinating event because so many little things can make a difference regardless of who you're playing," Saint Louis coach Jim Crews said. "Whether it's boxing out or one extra pass, the game doesn't understand rankings or numbers. Any team can win. All it takes is getting there."

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With Selection Sunday nearly two weeks away and conference tournaments starting next week, USA TODAY Sports catches you up on the teams and players to know for March Madness.

5 EMERGENT TEAMS

- Teams that weren't expected to be where they are now

1. Michigan: John Beilein should be at the top of the list for coach of the year candidates. The Wolverines (20-7, 12-3) lost Mitch McGary for the season with a back injury in November and responded as one of the country's most surprising teams. Behind the hot shooting of sophomore guard Nik Stauskas, Michigan started 8-0 in Big Ten play and is contending for the Big Ten regular-season title.

2. Texas: The Longhorns (21-7, 10-5) weren't able to stop Kansas from winning a 10th consecutive Big 12 title, but the fact that they were the Jayhawks' top challenger highlights the night-and-day difference in Austin from last season. Coach Rick Barnes went from the hot seat to garnering coach of the year consideration, and it's well deserved. Texas has seven losses, but they're all against NCAA tourney-bound teams.

3. Southern Methodist: Coach Larry Brown, 73, has turned SMU (22-6, 11-4) into an NCAA tournament team after a 15-17 finish in 2012-13's rebuilding season. The Mustangs, led by sparkplug point guard Nic Moore, are currently in third place in the American Athletic Conference and have the ingredients to be a darkhorse in the NCAAs.

4. Cincinnati: Another AAC squad that's overachieved, Cincinnati (24-4, 13-2) has a chance to win the league thanks to a 15-game win streak that included an 11-0 start in conference action. Coach Mick Cronin has always gotten his teams to play smothering defense, but this year's team executes his philosophies best - ranking fourth nationally in scoring defense. On offense, All-American candidate Sean Kilpatrick anchors the Bearcats.

5. Virginia: The Cavaliers (24-5, 15-1) were projected to have a strong season, but contending for an ACC title - Virginia hosts Syracuse on Saturday in a pivotal regular-season showdown - shows just how far coach Tony Bennett's veteran-laden group has come since last season. Led by guards Joe Harris and Malcolm Brogdon, this Virginia squad runs one of the most staggering defenses and disciplined offenses in the country. The Cavaliers rank 294th nationally in points per game, but they undoubtedly find ways to beat their opponents by controlling the game's tempo.

5 MUST-WATCH PLAYERS

- Players who have compiled the best seasons in 2013-14 and are poised to up the ante in March

1. Doug McDermott, Creighton: The two-time all-American saved his best season for last and leads the nation in scoring with 26.0 points a game. McDermott is the main reason for the Bluejays' success in the Big East after transferring from the Missouri Valley. The 6-8 forward draws plenty of double teams to free his teammates, who shoot the ball accurately. Creighton ranks fifth in the country in field goal percentage at 50%.

2. Jabari Parker, Duke: Parker stands atop the star-studded freshman class, averaging 18.8 points and 8.9 rebounds a game for Duke (23-6, 12-4). The 6-8 forward hit a minor slump after starting the season with seven consecutive 20-point outings, but has rekindled his groove. His versatility is what sets him apart; Parker has the ability to score on the perimeter and possesses a ultra-quick first step.

3. C.J. Fair, Syracuse: The senior forward has been the Orange's offensive catalyst for the past two seasons, but he's playing at an elite level this season, averaging 16.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

4. Shabazz Napier, UConn: The do-everything guard returned for his senior year despite his NBA-readiness, and he's proven to be one of the best players in the country, leading his team in points, rebounds and assists. Napier has also been clutch, including in a buzzer-beating win against Florida on Dec. 2.

5. Russ Smith, Louisville: Another player who chose to bypass his pro career and come back for his senior season, Smith has redefined his game, averaging 17.5 points and 4.5 assists a game. He's also taking smarter shots, making 46% of them and limiting the turnovers that used to frustrate coach Rick Pitino last season.

5 X-FACTORS

- Underrated players on top 25 teams

1. Scottie Wilbekin, Florida: The senior point guard is a ballhawk defensively and runs the team with poise while scoring when necessary.

2. T.J. McConnell, Arizona: One of the best defenders in the country, McConnell has been instrumental in the Wildcats' success this season. His transfer from Duquesne gave coach Sean Miller the true point guard for which he's been longing.

3. Ron Baker, Wichita State: The sophomore sharpshooter is one of the best players on the Shockers' unselfish cast and a key cog in WSU's undefeated season. When the Shockers need a big bucket, Baker's clutch from the perimeter.

4. Rodney Hood, Duke: The Mississippi State transfer has been overshadowed by Parker's great season. Hood, a 6-8 sophomore, gives the Blue Devils another lengthy wing player who stretches the floor with his 3-point shooting ability.

5. Jordair Jett, Saint Louis: On a veteran Billikens squad, Jett has the ability to put the team on his back and get to the rim at will. Yet Jett is unselfish as they come, dishing out 5 assists per game. Should the Billikens make a deep NCAA tourney run, Jett could take over and become a breakout star.

5 BUBBLE TEAMS TO WATCH

- Teams that will be sweating until Selection Sunday

1. Georgetown: The Hoyas (16-11, 7-8 Big East) are in unfamiliar territory on the bubble. They have a strength of schedule of 27, having beaten Michigan State, Kansas State and VCU. But a disastrous five-game losing streak and glaring losses to Northeastern and Seton Hall hurt their chances. Georgetown's dueling with three other Big East foes - Xavier, Providence and St. John's to earn an at-large bid.

2. Missouri: The Tigers (19-9, 7-8 SEC) seem to be playing their way out of the field of 68 after losing back-to-back road games to Alabama and Georgia - putting the SEC in jeopardy of only sending two teams (Florida and Kentucky) to the NCAAs. Missouri has one key win against UCLA, but it might not be enough. Tennessee is also a bubble team from the SEC that could duke it out with Missouri.

3. Oregon: The Ducks (18-8, 6-8) started the season 13-0, but it's been downhill since, as a five-game losing streak derailed Oregon's Pac-12 title hopes. Colorado, Arizona State, Stanford and California all have better résumés for tournament consideration. That great start, though, gives Oregon an RPI of 43 and SoS of 45.

4. Nebraska: The Cornhuskers (16-11, 8-7 Big Ten) have an RPI of 52 and SoS of 26 but have résumé-staining losses to UAB and Penn State.

5. Dayton: The Flyers' biggest win (vs. Gonzaga) seemed a lot bigger back in November. Losses to Illinois State, USC and Rhode Island plus a SoS of 56 also hurt. It will take a deep run in the A-10 Tournament for this squad to get an at-large bid.

5 PLACES TO FIND THE NEXT FLORIDA GULF COAST

- Small conference tournaments harboring Cinderellas

1. Horizon League: Green Bay (23-5, 13-2) is one of the best mid-majors in the country, having beat Virginia in a non-conference clash, and has a great Cinderella recipe behind Keifer Sykes, a 5-11 guard who averages 20.3 points and 5.0 assists. Wright State is a veteran-laden squad that could also wear a glass slipper should the Phoenix falter. Horizon League Tournament (March 4-11 at Campus Sites).

2. WAC: New Mexico State (21-9, 10-4) is most famously known for 7-foot-6 center Sim Bhullar, but Daniel Mullings (16.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg) is an underrated catalyst. The Aggies will need to win the WAC Tournament to secure a bid, but they have the makings for a big upset if they make the field and draw a better matchup than last season against Saint Louis. WAC Tournament (March 13-15 at Las Vegas).

3. Atlantic Sun: Although Florida Gulf Coast became the NCAA tourney darling last year, Mercer (22-7) won the regular season title in the Atlantic Sun last season and has its sights set on an automatic bid this year. Langston Hall (14.8 ppg) paces a balanced offense. But don't count out Joe Dooley's FGCU squad yet. If the Eagles reach the field, #dunkcity could live on another year. Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament (March 4-9 at Campus Sites).4. Ohio Valley: Belmont (22-8, 13-2) has put together a five-game winning streak and is a favorite to win the league. Longtime coach Rick Byrd lost a majority of his production from last season but the Bruins have the pieces to upset a school from a power conference. Belmont ranks second nationally in shooting percentage, and guard J.J. Mann (18.4 ppg) could become a March star. Ohio Valley Tournament (March 5-8 at Nashville).

5. Sun Belt: Remember Ryan Harrow? He's the former Kentucky point guard who transferred to be closer to home. Along with R.J. Hunter, Georgia State has one of the best backcourts in the country and would be a surefire sleeper team if the Panthers can win the Sun Belt tournament. The top challengers standing in GSU's way will be Western Kentucky and Arkansas State. Sun Belt Conference Tournament (March 13-16 at New Orleans).

5 DEFINING MEMORIES

- Moments and story lines that have marked the college hoops season.

1. Wichita State's 30-0 start: The Shockers might play in the Missouri Valley, but accomplishments this year have been nothing short of amazing. Coming off a Final Four season, coach Gregg Marshall has helped this team avoid complacency and play with signature toughness.

2. Marcus Smart's confrontation with a fan and subsequent suspension: The Oklahoma State All-American shoved a Texas Tech fan who called him a "piece of crap" at the end of a Cowboys loss on Feb. 8. OSU lost three games while Smart was suspended, part of a seven-game skid that put Oklahoma State on the bubble after starting the season as a Big 12 title contender.

3. The freshman surprise: Joel Embiid, not Andrew Wiggins, stole January spotlight among top freshmen, at least for the month of January. The 7-foot center has drawn comparisons to Hakeem Olajuwon for his upside and footwork. He's a potential No. 1 pick in June's NBA draft.

4. Jim Boeheim's ejection: The Syracuse coach went berserk at an official in the Orange's Feb. 22 loss to Duke, leading to his first career ejection.

5. Barry Hinson's tirade: The Southern Illinois coach made national headlines for a tirade during a postgame news conference Dec. 18 in which he called his player's "a bunch of mama's boys." Hinson's rant went viral on the Internet.

Scott Gleeson, a national college basketball writer/digital producer for USA TODAY Sports, is on Twitter @ScottMGleeson.